In preparation for the match against Atlético-MG, the Flamengo players held another training session this Thursday morning (20) at the George Helal Training Center - Ninho do Urubu. Before the activity, coach Mauricio Barbieri gave a press conference and spoke about the team's preparation for this weekend's challenge.

“We talked a lot about this week. We took advantage of it to work, but we can't forget that we were coming off a long run of games and, initially, we used it to recover the players. We've been working hard, and we still have three more days until the match to adjust a few things. It's an important moment for us to recover what we've been showing well and adjust other aspects to achieve the results we want.”

Without Diego available for the match against Atlético Mineiro – the midfielder was sent off in the last game against Vasco – Barbieri didn't reveal who will replace the number 10, but explained that the team has alternatives for this situation. 

"We are training and looking for solutions. Nothing is set in stone, but we still have training days until the game. We are working with the perspective that we will be without Diego, but we have players capable of filling that void."

Barbieri was asked about the changes he had to make after Vinícius Junior's departure in July, and once again showed that he has options within the squad.

“You mentioned two great players who would be missed in any team. Just look at how much Vinicius was sold for. After Everton's absence, we gave Vinicius more opportunities, and he filled in well. Regarding Vitinho, we've been giving him opportunities on the left, just like he played there for Botafogo. He himself has said that he feels good there. He's been improving, but he's not yet able to be effective. As for Diego, he's missed for his experience, leadership, and quality, but we have players with similar characteristics, one of them is Matheus Savio, but we can also opt for Lucas coming from deeper positions.”

Regarding the battle at the top of the table, the coach commented that the team needs to get back on track with victories in order to be able to dream of the title again.

"Obviously, I'd like the gap to be smaller or for us to be at the top. I think we need to find consistency again to get back on a winning streak. We haven't had a losing streak either, but we've been inconsistent. Since the championship is difficult and balanced, we know we can catch up with the leaders or even overtake them."

Flamengo hosts Atlético-MG this Sunday (23), at Maracanã, at 16 pm, for the 26th round of the Brazilian Championship. More than 23 thousand tickets have already been sold for the match and the Nation can still purchase tickets. clicking here.